Peter F Vaira

May 10, 2021 | The Legal Intelligencer

  Two years ago, in a column I wrote for this newspaper, I raised the issue as to whether the trial lawyer was a dying breed. I came to the conclusion…

By Peter F. Vaira

9 minute read

March 08, 2021 | The Legal Intelligencer

Walter Terry Batty, who demonstrated the professionalism to hold the position of Chief of Appeals in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia for 20 years and the courage to spend the next 17 years in private practice, briefing and arguing cases, while lying flat on his back confined to his bed, died on Dec. 22, 2020.

By Peter F. Vaira

6 minute read

January 11, 2021 | The Legal Intelligencer

The courts must take precaution to protect the participants from the COVID-19 virus and yet ensure due process. Procedure for civil trials can be adjusted for remote participation of parties and witnesses.

By Peter F. Vaira

6 minute read

March 11, 2019 | The Legal Intelligencer

This column will discuss the situation when a witness who previously testified before a grand jury, when subpoenaed for an additional appearance, can obtain and review the transcript of his previous testimony prior to his next appearance.

By Peter F. Vaira

7 minute read

January 14, 2019 | The Legal Intelligencer

As I do every year at this time, I submit changes and events that I would like to see occur in the coming year in the courts, government agencies, federal and state legislatures and the law profession.

By Peter F. Vaira

6 minute read

November 19, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

Ten years ago, there was little mention of the service of special masters among members of the bar. In the last several years there has been a substantial increase in the appointments of special masters by federal and state courts, on both the trial and appellate level.

By Peter F. Vaira

6 minute read

September 24, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

This column discusses the major differences in state and federal grand jury procedures. This is especially important as Pennsylvania state prosecutors have increased their use of the investigating grand jury over the past five years.

By Peter F. Vaira

10 minute read

July 16, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is in need of a serious internal review. Recent critical remarks by members of Congress and other political leaders, and responses by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein indicate that the DOJ is under fire.

By Peter F. Vaira   

1 minute read

March 12, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

The Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee is currently holding hearings to study possible changes to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Statute. I contend that Section 4552 of the statute should be stricken for reasons discussed below.

By Peter F. Vaira

9 minute read

January 12, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

I submit to you, as I do every year, what I would like to see occur in the courts, the government investigative agencies, and the law profession in the coming year.

By Peter F. Vaira

5 minute read